Five Love Languages – Quality Time

As more and more conversations centered around communication have surfaced, once a month I’ll be featuring one of Five Love Languages based on Gary Chapman’s book series. Each post will highlight a particular “language” and some suggestions on ways to meet that need for yourself and others. In October, I shared Words of Affirmation. For November, we’re going to focus on good ol’ QT.

Before we get into that, let’s review:

These are the Five Languages:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Acts of Service

Gifts

Touch

We all have a primary “language” we speak and need to have communicated to us in order to feel loved in our personal relationships and appreciated in our workplace. The key is finding out your own language, as well as those you have relationships with in your personal and professional life. These discoveries will help you communicate and dramatically improve the relationships in your life. Last month’s post talked about the Words of Affirmation lovers. These language speakers want you to tell them they rock and why. This month we will discuss Quality Time. Remember, your primary and secondary languages may differ between your personal life and business life so view all the languages from two sets of perspectives. If you’re ready to move on, let’s spend some QT together dissecting this language.

The quality aspect of Quality Time is founded on focused attention. That means without distractions or other tasks being completed simultaneously. (Are you listening social media surfers?)

Let’s start from a personal perspective. The whole point to these language speakers is quality. Just spending time together may not be enough. A spouse may wonder, “we just spent six hours at the picnic with our friends and family and you say we haven’t spent quality time together”. Ah Marone! The definition of quality time lies in the hands of the one desiring it. Your first clue is to listen to their complaints: “you never watch TV with me”, “we never go out to dinner alone anymore”, “why don’t we take day trips together anymore”, “why are you always on that damn phone?” You get the picture. Take these not-so-subtle hints as a sign that this person needs a little QT with you.

From a professional perspective, it can be more difficult to determine when a co-worker speaks this language. Supervisors should regularly set aside scheduled QT time with each direct report. If you can trickle it down to other levels, great. Some may be able to pull this off monthly, others only quarterly. If possible, allow about 30 minutes with each individual. You’ll start to see which ones need the full amount, and which ones don’t. Adjust accordingly. You should be actively listening while the other person is talking. Remember, this is about Focused Attention. Paying attention like this will also help you determine each person’s “language”. Even if you’re not a supervisor, a complaining co-worker saying “nobody cares around here”, or “if I could catch Beth’s ear for 2 seconds I could fix this whole problem”, or “nobody communicates anymore”, is likely to speak this language and can be helped following the same steps in casual conversation. Ask how they’re doing, if they have any ideas or concerns on their mind. If nothing comes up, just shoot the breeze with them. Ask about their life outside of work, upcoming vacations, whatever, just make sure they feel they were listened to and valued for their contributions.

Quality Time can be a tough language to speak as we are all so pressed for time, but for those who really need it, providing it can prevent bigger issues down the line that you also wouldn’t have time for. So get it in your calendar and stop putting it off. There’s an awesome likelihood that you too will benefit from that quality time!

Is QT a language you’re fluent in? Share some stories about how to successfully communicate in this language. Stay tuned for next month’s post on Acts of Service.

If you would like to work together and develop a plan for living a life by YOUR design, then an Empowerment Session is for you! Take advantage of the complimentary strategy session!

If you’d like special offers, updates, and insider-only goodies, SUBSCRIBE to be a VIP! (It’s free and I won’t blow up your in-box!)

email April@AuthenticLifeChronicles.com

(The Five Languages are based on “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman and “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” (co-written by Paul White))

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Hello, I’m April!

April is a Personal Development Coach. She is a certified Strategic Interventionist, trained Financial Coach and skilled Workshop Designer and Facilitator. She helps growth-minded, life-long learners identify opportunities for reaching their highest potential. She works with clients to create fail-proof strategies using her own unique system. She strives to empower others to live a fulfilling, authentic life both personally and professionally.